However, over time, the interpretation of this "great fish" as a whale became popular, likely due to the whale's massive size and association with the sea.
It's important to note that:
* The Bible doesn't explicitly state it was a whale. The term "great fish" leaves room for interpretation.
* There are other possibilities. Other large sea creatures existed and still exist that could have swallowed Jonah, such as a giant squid or a shark.
Ultimately, the exact nature of the "great fish" is a matter of interpretation and debate. The story serves as a powerful allegory about God's mercy and forgiveness, regardless of the specific creature involved.